You’re not new to photography. You have been taking pictures since you don’t know when. You just love to take gorgeous images but then one day something hits you that made you decide to build your own portfolio composed mainly of people.
You have taken pictures of your brother, your sister, your family, your clan, your friends, and your friends’ friends but you know deep inside you that you want to step your game a few notches higher- You want to shoot models.
But how?
Exactly the same question I had a year ago before I started Graphics Metropolis.
How do you start? Where do you look? How do you approach models? What would you say? What if the model you like only accepts paid shoots?
As I delve and ponder on those questions, I encountered the letters TFP during my research. So what is this TFP (sometimes called TF or TFCD)?
Well, it’s not Take Free Pictures/ Take Free Pls?/ Take Fun Part/ The Free Part or anything like that.
Based from my research, TFP (in relation to models, fashion, portrait photography) can be defined as Trade For Print. It can also be called Trade Shoot or Trade For CD.
TFP operates on the principle of trading your skills in exchange of something. In your case, you are trading your photography skills and expertise with that of the model’s time, creativity, presence and effort.
So how do you start?
If you’re just starting out, remember to put out what you think are the best from your existing works. Utilize whatever you have to your advantage by showing only what you think would work.
You have to have some form of portfolio; an output to show your model what you can do.
After you finish preparing and choosing the bets from your works, go to websites that contains models directories. There is a wide variety of social networking sites geared towards creative (photographers, models, hairstylists, make-up artists, wardrobe designers, fashion stylists, videographers, painters, etc) available online.
You can start creating accounts, upload your images, but make sure you can manage each of them.
Anyway, below are some websites where you can start creating your profile and do networking with models and other creative. (Note: build a harmonious, wonderful relationship and a credible reputation among these people- this is where you can get your team [hair, make-up, stylist, etc] afterwards):
visit these links for more resources:
list of site similar to model mayhem
Now how to approach models? What do you say? How would you package yourself?
When you write someone for a TFP project, make sure you’re confident, polite and clear about your intentions.
State the benefits. State when the model can get the pictures. Will you provide a CD, digital copies or hi-resolution images? How long is your turnaround time?
*Tip: Over promise and underdeliver.
So what if the model says they only accept paid shoots? Don’t get discouraged. Still write her a note. State how you would like to shoot with her and that you know she’s only looking for paid shoot. Ask about any possible opportunity of a trade shoot in the future. Who knows if he/she may like your wrk and actually agree to shoot TFP with you.
Even though you’re shooting for trade, always treat it as your major shoot. Always think that the shoot the can make or break your career. Always treat each production as the shoot of your life. Always stay on top of your game.
Short on equipment? You lack resources? You don’t know what to do? Come on. There’s always a way. Learn how to make the most of what you have. Do your research. Visit DIY sites. Make things work. There will always be a way to make things work if you want to. High end equipment only enhances the innate talent that you have. So if you think you have the talent and the guts, then you will be fine.
So, do I accept Trade For Print shoots (TFP/TFCD)?
YES.
Why?
It’s my way of giving back to the community of creatives who has helped me build my portfolio. It’s always fun to create a personal project with a whole team of creative individuals fueled by their passion for art.
So how do I get to shoot you for TFP/TFCD?
Couple of ways.
1. You receive a message from me because either I like your looks and your book or I see a lot of potential in you.
2. You sent me a message with a very good project pitch that can benefit our portfolios
3. You win at the monthly draw of the GRAPHICS METROPOLIS FEATURE PROJECT.
What the heck is this GRAPHICS METROPOLIS FEATURE PROJECT?
Stay tuned on my next blog post for more information.
httyp://www.graphicsmetropopolis.com